WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: How will I know when my baby is ready to breastfeed? Your baby may let you know when he is ready to breastfeed. He may be wide awake and moving his arms and legs more. He may turn his head toward your breast and move his mouth more. He may put his hand up to his mouth and suck his fingers or his fist. Crying is often a late sign that your baby is hungry. Crying may make it hard for him to latch onto your breast. How do I hold my baby during breastfeeding? Choose a position that is comfortable for you. With all positions, your baby should be able to tilt his head slightly backward. It should be tilted enough so he can open his mouth wide to latch (attach) onto your breast. Your baby's hip, torso, shoulder, and head should be in a straight line facing you. Use pillows, towels, or blankets to support you or your baby. - Cross-cradle hold: Support or cradle your baby with the arm that is on the opposite side of the breast you use to feed. For example, if you are going to breastfeed your baby with your right breast, support his body with your left arm. Use your left hand to support his head. Your right arm and hand can be used to support your breast.
- Cradle hold: Your baby's head rests in the bend of your arm, near your elbow. Your other arm and hand can be used to support your breast or your baby's body. Bring your baby up to the level of your breast. Your baby will lie on his side with his body facing yours.
- Football or underarm hold: This position works best when you are in a sitting position. Your baby will lie on his back. Tuck his body under your arm on the same side as the breast you use to feed. Support your baby's body with your arm and support his head with your hand. Support your breast with your other hand.
- Lie on your side: Lie on your side. Place your baby on his side so that he is facing you. Support his back with either of your arms.
- Lie on your back: Lie on your back. Place your baby so that he is lying down the middle of your body. He should be lying on his stomach with his head at your breast. This position is helpful if your milk flows faster than your baby can drink.
How do I help my baby latch correctly? Help your baby move his head to reach your breast. Hold the nape of his neck to help him latch onto your breast. Touch his top lip with your nipple and wait for him to open his mouth wide. Your baby's lower lip and chin should touch the areola (dark area around the nipple) first. Help him get as much of the areola in his mouth as possible. You should feel as if your baby will not separate from your breast easily. A correct latch helps your baby get the right amount of milk at each feeding. Allow your baby to breastfeed for as long as he is able. How do I know if my baby is latched on correctly? - You can hear your baby swallow.
- Your baby is relaxed and takes slow, deep mouthfuls.
- Your breast or nipple does not hurt during breastfeeding.
- Your baby is able to suckle milk right away after he latches on.
- Your nipple is the same shape when your baby is done breastfeeding.
- Your breast is smooth, with no wrinkles or dimples where your baby is latched on.
How often should I breastfeed my baby? Breastfeed your baby 8 to 12 times each day or as often as he wants. Try to breastfeed from both breasts equally each day. Express your breast milk every 2 to 3 hours if your baby sleeps through the night or you are away from your baby. Ask for more information about using your hand or a pump to express breast milk. Where can I find support and more information about breastfeeding my baby? - American Academy of Pediatrics
141 Northwest Point Boulevard
Elk Grove Village , IL 60007-1098
Phone: 1- 847 - 434-4000
Web Address: http://www.aap.org
- La Leche League International
957 North Plum Grove Road
Schaumburg , IL 60173
Phone: 1- 847 - 519-7730
Phone: 1- 800 - 525-3243
Web Address: http://www.lalecheleague.org
When should I seek immediate care? - Your baby shows signs of dehydration, such as sunken eyes, dry skin, fast breathing, or few or no wet diapers.
When should I contact my healthcare provider? - You have a fever.
- Your baby is 4 or more days old and has fewer than 6 wet diapers each day.
- Your baby is 6 or more days old and has fewer than 3 to 4 bowel movements each day.
- You feel you are not making enough breast milk for your baby.
- One or both of your breasts is red, swollen or hard, painful, and feels warm or hot.
- You see or feel a tender lump in your breast.
- You feel very depressed.
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